The rates look a lot like those for other partners where Delta Air Lines also holds an equity stake or a joint venture is in play. At the lowest end of the fare range earnings are just 25% of the miles flown, though 100% credit towards medallion qualifying miles and 5% towards the medallion dollars. At the top end, full fare business class earns 200% miles for both award and Medallion qualifying while also netting 40% towards MQDs.

Because LATAM is a joint venture/equity partner existing SkyMiles Medallion members will also earn bonus points on LATAM flights credited to the SkyMiles program. As with other, similar partners the earn rate is indexed to the Base Miles earned for the trip, with a status tier-based multiplier:

Diamond – 120%

Platinum – 80%

Gold – 60%

Silver – 40%

One important consideration, especially as LATAM still has many partners from its prior life in the oneworld alliance, is how credit is earned for LATAM-coded flights not operated by that airline. The new SkyMiles earning rules are clear on that front: “Mileage credit is only applicable to Delta partner flights that are marketed and operated by that partner or Delta.” This is slightly different from Delta’s policy when the partner is a SkyTeam member. In those cases a codeshare operated by any other alliance member also counts towards earning.

About Seth Miller

Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.

He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.